Yes, Lipikar Baume and the Lait Lotion are both superb and now thankfully available in NYC at Duane Reade and Walgreens. The best moisturizers I have ever used. I can even use a tiny bit around my eyes and cheekbones during dry, cold NYC days.

And yet another vote for Dr Hauschka!! Depending on my financial situation, I alternate between this one and Kiehl’s Ultra Creme. They’re both excellent, and don’t give (me) pimples (like Clinique does).

Used to have awful oily/flaky/breakout skin…. Then I lived in Paris and got some sense poured into me one day at la pharmacie. Now I have perfect velvety skin a shocking 95% of the time. No flaking, no shine, no zits, no dry! It is the only moisturizer/primer product I use now (I’ve tried many, too), and you can bet I use it religiously.

Hi there! Facts: I have extremely sensitive skin that gets very dry in wintertime. I also like to use natural products. Lastly, I am 33, so my skin is changing, yet another consideration. I highly recommend Kiehls Abyssine Cream+ SPF 23. A)It is light, but thick enough that it is moisturizing. B)It is natural and has those wonderful magical, great for skin sea ingredients. C) It has SPF- huge for me as I do not wear any face makeup, nor do I like to add many layers of things to my face. Go get a sample! Trust me, it’s a great one. Let’s just say the phrase ‘survival molecules’ is on the front.

I go for Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer. I prefer the one with the tint, but a little goes a long way, you can get it with SPF 15, and your skin feels nice afterwards. At night I’ve been using Trader Joe’s Nourish Oil-Free Antioxidant Facial Moisturizer and it has made loads of difference. Good luck! xx

I swear by Darphin! The trick is to use one of their serums, like the chamomile one, underneath their hydrating creams. Works a treat!
I tried Dr Haushka’s Rose cream before, which I know is very popular in the winter, but it makes my skin break out…

Another vote for Cerave! Get the big tub of creme. It contains ceramides which my derm says is the best solution for treating chronic dryness.
I use this on my baby’s sensitive, very dry skin as well as my super chapped hands. Turns out changing lots of diapers = massively dry hands. This is an inexpensive, drug store option that doesn’t get a lot of hype but is worth trying.

Yes, CeraVe! It’s so cheap but it WORKS. I use unrefined organic coconut oil from Whole Foods at night. And the CeraVe AM lotion with SPF 30 in the morning. My skin started acting up as soon as winter came around (I mean like red, blotchy, and literal flaking). I’m a student so I’m thrilled this extremely inexpensive regimen has been working beautifully. Try it!!!

Add me to the list of CeraVe fans. I like the moisturizing cream for night and the SPF 30 lotion for day. This line is inexpensive (relative to department store or specialty ranges) and has high quality ingredients.

I also like Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentree for a rich nighttime moisturizer in the winter.

Yep, me too. I’d been using-and loved- Dermelogica intensive moisture, but wanted to spend less money. I gave CeraVe a try. So glad. When I get really dry, before bed I start with a layer of vitamin E oil (or argan oil) and then put the lotion on top. Wake up soft and glowing.

I usually add a facial oil into my skin care regimen in the winter months. At night, I mix a few drops of Aesop’s fabulous facial oil into my usual moisturiser (at the moment Embryolisse) and it works like a treat!

8 hour cream by Elizabeth Arden. It repairs your skin in one night. Alternatively you can also use it as a mask for a couple of hours. The effect is visible. Personally I’ve been using it for almost 5 years and for my mixed skin that gets drier in winter, it’s the best remedy! :)

I have two, actually. Both of them hard to find. When in Paris (like right now) Filorga Professional Day Cream with cell extracts. It’s just amazing. It’s as if your skin is wrapped into magic protection from the elements. Got it from my esthetician here. I thank her everyday for it. When in the US (like very soon) there is this gem of a moisturizer called Ultra Hydrating Moisturizer by a little known brand (Newport Cosmeceuticals). I’ve tried everything else under the sun (and the cold winter weather) and I always come back to these two. And neither cream makes me breakout or give me allergies.

a hot steamer, like in the beauty salons, but for personal use (vapazon)
it’s not a cream, but it works wonders for your skin… hydrates the skin, accelerates blood circulation, regulates metabolism and minimizes wrinkles, naturally :))

If you have dry skin and not combination, I would recommend using a thin layer of Vaseline at night. It works wonders for me in the Utah winter desert. Just be sure your significant other is okay with extra lip gloss when giving you a peck goodnight!

Dr. Hauschka Rose Day Cream is a great winter moisturizer; I use it during the colder months and find it offers better protection than the lighter variety I use in the summer (Quince). Dr. Hauschka Hand Cream is also great in the winter, as it is soothing and protective, but not greasy.

Hi Alex ! I had to answer, I’m crazy about beauty products and tips.
As far as I’m concerned, Kiehl’s is one of the best brand for moisturizer. They have a lot of different products depending on which type of skin you have. One of their very hydrating one is the Centella Recovery Skin-Salve, for winter and dry skin it’s perfect. I have a mixed skin so I can’t use it everyday. As a regular moisturizer I use the Sodium PCA “Oil Free” Moisturizer (usually the morning) and something more hydrating like Centella for the night

NIght time moisturizing is the most important thing along with day time SPF. (Pick your brands. there are a gazillion out there, as you can probably tell from the previous comments).
But Shhhhh… i learned this from my aunt who is a dermatologist. Rotate/change your brand of products every 2 months or so..that way your skin and hair get to start anew.

After a shower or bath, rub coconut oil all over and wait about a minute. Pat lightly to remove excess oil.

I live in Phoenix and have aging skin so this may be overkill for you but once a week I get in the shower and put coconut oil all over, starting with my scalp, down to my feet. Then I use exfoliating gloves that I found at Whole Foods and gently scrub, more or less all over – focusing on areas like my feet and shins and arms that tend to get especially dry. Then I shampoo twice and wash off with soap and my skin is wonderfully soft and smooth and my hair and scalp are very happy. Alas I then need to swish a little soap around the tub/shower and rinse it off to prevent slipperiness for the next person in the shower. But that keeps the shower clean with minimal effort.

Also for lips, I use a lip moisturizer stick from Tropical Traditions after showers, at night and as needed. It’s a coconut based product and cheap.

This works better than any exotic treatments. You can use olive oil or almond oil instead but I am loving the coconut oil.

I have the same problem. Have tried many expensive ones but they just don’t cut it when the winter really kicks in here in Denmark … then I always end up using good old Nivea in the classic blue version or the very oily Calendula Wind & Weather Cream from Weleda that is actually for my kids. I’m not sure either of them are the right choice in the long run – but when my skin screams, I just reach for the ‘fattest’ cream available. Looking forward to hearing other solutions!

Tu’el Lipo-Gen Cream. It goes on amazingly rich and magically absorbs into your skin leaving it light and fresh. Perfect to wear as a night cream or under make up in the winter months when you need a little something extra. Also, I used to be a ballet dancer and after performances we would all rid our eye make up with cold cream. I still swear by using it to remove eye make up at night. It adds moisture to the super sensitive skin around your eyes while gently ridding layers of kohl.

I’ve always used olay creams on my face, they’re generally super good, especially the night creams! I find sometimes I get those really horrible dry flaky patches around my chin and nose, but if I (and this is may sound quite odd) mix a few drops of plain extra virgin olive oil with the night cream in the palm of my hand then apply all over my face, it works so well and really makes my skin look so fresh the day after. Obviously it’s not a miracle treatment and you have to do it a couple of times, but if you’re looking for a really easy/ cheap/ convenient fix, try it! x

You know what I have come to think? Night time moisturizing is the key! Once you are out in the cold you need protection, but the only time your skin gets a break is when you are sleeping so I would invest in a good anti-wrinkle night hydrating cream (it feels to me like the anti-age ones get really under the skin). La Roche Possay does really good ones. Plus (this might be another of my over thought out ideas, but..) if you have the heating on while you sleep and you work in a heated environment the air becomes really dry and it takes a tool on your skin, so make sure you turn the heating down (you might need to wear cosy pj´s).

Alex, Garance et al: I have a question for you! What is a good body moisturizer for winter times???
My constant dilemma is that I want something really hydrating but that feels nice to put on and is quick to absorb, I hate feeling like a Christmas turkey (all greased up)!

Hi Alex,
I’ve had the same problem in recent years. The only thing I’ve found that works is olive oil. I use organic extra virgin olive oil on my face at night. Two estheticians have told me that olive oil is good for the face, and it is anti-microbial. I also use it as a body moisturizer when I get out of the shower.

Something else I started doing was washing my face once a day (in the evening). I read somewhere that if you wash your face at night, you probably don’t need to wash it again in the morning. In the mornings after my shower, I use Aveda’s Tourmaline Hydrating Creme on my face. The texture is a little like Elmer’s glue, but it gives a nice radiance and is a good base before applying foundation.

Healthy skin from within? This is a fairly new approach, and supplements may not fit into your lifestyle, but I’ve noticed less wrinkles and dryness from taking 7-8 mg of astaxanthin a day. Some of the research was done at about half this dosage, but I didn’t see results until I took more.

Here is a summary of research on supplements shown to have some effect on skin hydration. Notice that high flavanol cocoa is good for the skin!!

I mix olive oil with some coconut oil. I buy cold pressed
Organic. Costs a bit, but far cheaper than company stuff.
Sometimes I warm it a bit in pan, moisten a cotton
Pad with warm water and dip in oils then
Spread on face! Amazing! You will have the
Softest skin. It takes off makeup, so after
Removing makeup with oil your ski is
In great shape! I’ve never broken out either.

I swear by the range Hydraphase as I have the same problem. Two years ago I started with Hydraphase Light ‘the long-lasting moisturiser for long-lasting comfort’, as it was recommended by my dermatologist. Now I’m hooked. The good news is, there are more products to love, such as the brand new Hydraphase mask and Hydraphase serum.

I also have sun allergy-skin too, now that I’m getting older. So for that I use Anthelios spf 50, even in winter.

I NEVER use expensive moisturizer for the simple fact that it never works on me and only ends up being a waste of money. I swear by using Vaseline on my face before going to bed at night and then just applying regular body lotion on my face the next morning. I know it sounds like a lot but you’d be surprised to see how dehydrated your skin can get overnight.

**Coconut oil**
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE coconut oil – It’s all natural and sooooo inexpensive. And it great for all skin types. I used to have seriously temperamental skin. I started reading how miraculous coconut oil is, then started using it, and my skin is the BEST it’s ever been. (At the same time I started using the oil I started drinking green shakes, this may have helped my skin too).

I use it both in the morning and at night. In the morning I also add John Masters Organics Spf 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen.

For daytime lately, I’ve been using PFC Cosmetics’ Argan Cream and at night, their Argan Oil (though I’ve also used Walgreen’s Vitamin E skin oil to just as good effect), and I really like them so far.

And when I have a really stubborn dry spot (like, say, my chin right now! Argh!) I use Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula hand cream on it. I know it’s hand cream, but it says right on the back that you can use it on your face, too! That makes it okay, right?

i swear by everything weleda. the cold cream is perfect for very cold weather (perfect for german weather) or skiing. otherwise the almond cream is very rich. also i always use a serum underneath my cream and for the night i use face oil instead of night cream. the next day i just wash it off and put n my normal skin care.

I know what you’re talking about. Please check out this brand new facial OIL (photos/bottles/labels on website will be updated soon as product is very new). At least you can see all the beneficial ingredients – nothing like it is out there. http://getspOILed.ca
We can send you a complimentary one to try out if you’d like. Check ingredients first though. xo

I agree! Josie Maran argan oil has completely changed my combination skin, I get compliments on it more than ever now. It sounds so counter-intuitive to put oil on your face after magazines have told us to use oil-free products for an eternity, but it re-balances your skin, its amazing. And you can use it on your body and hair too! I use it under my day moisturizer as a serum in winter and on its own at night.

I’m also another coconut oil advocate for the body. A light layer after a shower will make your skin so soft! Or mix some coconut oil and brown sugar in a bowl, and use it as a body scrub in the shower (I like to add ground coffee and cinnamon too)- you’ll never pay for an expensive scrub again!

For day moisturizer I like Protect and Perfect by Boots No. 7. There are so many products out there and these are all great recommendations… good luck!

I tried a lot of day cream but the best is Dr Haushka ! the Moisturizing Day Cream is perfect you feel your skin moisturised in one sec, and and the texture is so light !!!! and it is totally affordable. Skin dream in a bottle !!!! xx

I, too, have tried every moisturizer out there on the market (think drugstores, sephora, department stores, and even overseas brands!). And I, too, suffer from the oily skin epidemic (but I really enjoyed what you had to say about not seeking after perfection and loving the skin that you have) and I found that Coconut Oil (have also tried every oil out there on the market) is the absolute best in not only cleansing your skin but moisturizing it as well! It also works as the perfect lip balm, body moisturizer, and hand cream (especially after you wash your hands using the driest hand soaps possible in restaurants and stores). The smell is heavenly, to boot. I’ve noticed that the little bumps on my face have disappeared and that the wretched dryness that I often feel especially around my cheeks and mouth are gone. Please give it a try! :)

I second Darphin … the trick for me is to use a drop or two of one their oils (not too much!!!) then moisturizer after. Either Hydraskin, Intral, or Predermine … I like them all. Big big fan. Also after scorning the bb trend, I have discovered Dr. Jart Water Fuse …. I am in love. This is the most transformative thing I have ever put on my face, ever. You must try it!

I have two suggestions. I have dry skin that gets even drier in the winter. La Mer’s original cream is unbeatable for this type of skin. I use it every day of the year (but only at night). And for super serious dry patches: Aquaphor. :)

Any cream with vitamin A should help. I have dry and itchy skin whenever the temperature is below 60F, so I put the cream all over my body and it really works. Also don’t take very hot shower/bath, especially for a long time.

Elizabeth Arden 8hr face moisturiser – I don’t care that it costs £27 and only comes in 50ml tubes, I will buy this until I am 90. Feels great, sinks in quick on my normal/oily combo skin, you only need a tiny bit at a time and makes my skin feel amazing all day. I basically stopped wearing any kind of foundation/tinted moisturiser after I started using this. Amazing!!

I am a swimmer, so dousing myself in harsh chemicals everyday takes a toll on my skin. The BEST moisturizer I have ever used is only $3 for a big bottle that lasts about 2 months!! The secret is Grapeseed oil- yes, the kind you cook with. I have sensitive dry skin, and everything makes me break out in a rash. Grapeseed oil will NOT make your skin break out, and will give you a beautiful natural glow. It also can help get rid of stretch marks and skin discolorations! There are many of expensive products out there that will help you “fake” good skin, but these products are full of harsh chemicals that actually make your skin worse over time. You can use grapeseed oil under makeup and all over the body to help reduce wrinkles, moisturize, and smooth the skin.

Hi Alex! I use La Prairie with black caviar, it works wonders. It’s a bit pricey and I always feel a bit guilty but my skin screams of happiness! I have also dry skin in the winter, not to mention the red spots when it’s too cold…but this cream has always worked.

Yes I do!! I am also prone to super dry skin during the winter and the moisturisers that really make a difference for me are the night moisturisers because they help replenish the moisture in my skin. For nighttime moisturising, I use Shiseido’s The Skincare Night Moisture Recharge Enriched for my overall skin and Shiseido’s Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Intensive Eye cream.

My trick to keep my face moisturised during the winter season (and in general) is this: Make sure I wash my face really well at night to get off all the make-up, sunscreen, and dirt. (I use Shiseido’s The Skincare Purifying Cleansing Foam as my key cleanser, and BioDerma to remove my eye make-up.) Then I lather on the night moisturiser and eye cream. And then the next morning, I *do not wash my face* with a cleanser. Because your face should already be clean from the night before, unless you did not clean it well enough. So I simply splash some lukewarm water on it to get off the night creams, pat it dry with a fresh towel or tissues, then apply my daytime moisturiser right away. Your skin produces most of its oils during the nighttime and using a cleanser during the morning will simply remove them. Salma Hayek swears by this also, and she has amazing skin.

I use Clinique Moisture surge before my regular Clinique moisturizer and it works wonders. It’s a really lightweight gel that goes on very smoothly, so it doesn’t feel like you’re suffocating your face.

Garance, usually in skin care there is a tendency – the more expensive, the better the result. I use Clarins cosmetics a lot, but for my combination skin type their moisturizing does work. But …. Their oil Orchid Blue is magnificent. I know that Kielh’s, Sisley, La Mer have great creams. And to be sure in your choice – it’s always better to ask for the trial size creams at shop, they call it – try before buy. Because there really a lot of good creams, everything depends on your skin, what it “excepts”. Good luck with a cream))

Garance, I too suffer dry skin in winter…winter does not agree with me, I feel like I look much older and I have tried everything from high end expensive brands to supermarket brands with poor results or short-lived results, then I discovered two miracle products – jojoba oil and Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance and I threw everything else away. I apply at night after massaging my face with a few drops of jojoba oil and in the morning my skin is still soft, moist and dewy even after cleansing. Please try this combo, I cannot recommend it enough. Also, exfoliate more often in winter.

I`m not sure if it`s been mentioned already, but I found a great face cream from The Body Shop while I was in Helsinki this October. It protects against the cold and is of the Hemp-series (for very dry skin). It`s very light on your skin, and works very well under make up. I`m sure if it works in -15 degrees Celcius in Norway, it should work in NYC as well :)

I use Garnier BB cream on the day and at night I use Nivea creme. It’s a thick white creme and it takes a while before your face isn’t white anymore but it works perfect for a rough skin during winter. xx

During the day I use Complex 15 a light water-based moisturizer recommended to me by multiple dermatologists. It also doubles as a wonderful primer under makeup and you can find at almost any drugstore! At night, I swear by raw, organic coconut oil. You can use RMS’ Raw Coconut Cream, but it is basically the exact same as any organic coconut oil. It is solid at room temperature but melts almost instantly and absorbs into the skin, much better than something like olive or grape seed oil. Depending on how dry your skin is/what makeup you use, it is even great to use in the morning, you will just need less of it. It doesn’t clog pores and has many anti-bacterial and healing properties so if you use some at night, in the morning all you get is wonderful, dewey, goodness. Best of luck! x

The trick to a good moisturizer is actually to exfoliate first and foremost at least once a week. And my favorite, natural and affordable product to use is ‘sugar’ mixed in the palm with some water. It also adds moisture to the skin and costs nothing. I have tried a lot of moisturizers and the only one that absorbs for me is Kiehl’s ultra facial moisturizer. Their creams and other products don’t work for me like this basic one. If I am on a plane or in a VERY cold climate, sometimes I’ll add Clarin’s Huile Orchidee Blue. You don’t have to spend a lot. In fact, I’ve wasted lots of money until I figured it out. It’s simple, no overbearing scents and no fuss.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream – I assume you’ve already tried it? For me, it’s one of the best.
Sebamed Moisturizing Cream – I’m using it now and it’s great for sensitive skin that get irritated in the cold.
Loccitane Amande Pomme – This one I steal from my sister every once in a while, for me it’s a bit expensive. Probably the best of the lot. You only need a little, as it’s very rich, yet absorbs beautifully and makes the skin really soft.

Also, I used to mix a drop of pure carrot oil in my face cream, I liked it a lot. Plus, the betacarrotene helps maintain the very little suntan you have in the winter. But I hear it’s not good for all skins, some can be allergic or something.

OMG! I just discovered (2 weeks ago to be exact) Evan Healy. It is an essential oils and plant based skin care line, and it has changed my life. I have the same problem very dry dry skin during winter time. this really worked for me. I suggest you start with the Rose Face Kit :)
Love your blog
xoxo
Latin Posh

Garance — you should definitely check out Simone France skincare. She is a legendary aesthetician in NY (French of course) and has a foolproof and simple regime for all skin types. I found out about her from Laura Mercier (‘nutt said!)

I have a similar problem with my hands. And I feel terrible because it seems like people are constantly looking at my hands especially at work. (You know that, right? You’re typing on a computer and a coworker comes to see how is it going and LOOKS AT YOUR HANDS. You present a printout pointing to some important parts of it and PEOPLE ARE LOOKING AT YOUR HANDS.) The only moisturizer that helps is just plain karité. No, not any product that contains a bit of it, but as much as possible. My favorite at the moment by Yves Rocher which is 100% karité.

I assumed when I moved to America’s rainy Pacific Northwest, I wouldn’t need moisturizer. I grew up in the desert slathering on Neutrogena and other drugstore products (sorry, we were poor). But when you live in a rainy climate, you rarely go outside, so all winter you’re indoors and in your car being blasted by forced-air heating. My skin has never been this dry. Then somebody suggested jojoba oil. It’s the natural oil closest to the composition of the skin’s sebum (coconut oil and others are thicker and more acidic), so it doesn’t clog pores and regulates the skin’s production of its own oils. Breakouts gone, flakes gone, wrinkles smoothed. I mix a few drops with whatever facial moisturizer I’ve got laying around, and voila, no more tightness or shininess (it sinks right in), makeup goes on smooth if I even bother to wear it. Doesn’t gunk up your pillowcase or shirt collar, no strong or perfumey smell, just affordable, healing moisture. If I had known about this 20 years ago in Wyoming during the winter (-30 degrees F for weeks at a time, woodsmoke and forced air) my skin wouldn’t have aged the way it has.

I have added Rodin facial oil to my skin regiment and it has made a huge difference. I live in AZ and so I am constantly fighting to add moisture back into my skin. I use the Rodin mainly in the evening and in the morning I moisturize with Eve Lom. The Eve Lom moisturizer has a SPF in it, but not high enough especially for my climate so I also use Neova sunscreen. The Rodin is expensive but it lasts forever and my experience is that it is worth it!

I swear by L’occitane Ultra Rich Shea Butter Face Cream!! It saved me from the horrible British cold and makes my skin smooth and amazing. I was the only thing that lasted in -40c weather in Abisko, Sweden.
Their hand creams are great too!

I live in Finland where the climate and central heating are hard on skin. After years with big name brands, I found Weleda. It was farewell flakey winter skin, bye-bye dry patches, not only for me but also for my two daughters with thin and sensitive skin. There is no secret, just as in Dr Hauschka’s rose creme mentioned here several times the lotions and cremes are 100% natural and ecological, just vegetable oils and waxes. For sensitive skin try the almond line, for ageing skin the one with pomegranate. I often get compliments for my skin, which I attribute to genetics and my use of mild, natural cremes by this very special, unique brand Weleda. The girls are hooked on the almond oil and baby oil, Weleda of course.

Aqueous cream. You can buy it at your local pharmacy, all my co-workers are pharmacists and they highly recommend this product. It is mostly used for people who have eczema, but I also have really dry skin and it really works.

I have to agree with recommendations for Aesop – I love love love camellia nut cream for day or night and the grape-seed eye cream, both are very rich but don’t cause breakouts and absorb beautifully and can live under makeup. Also, highly recommend Homeoplasmin for the lips – amazing! You may also want to invest in a humidifier for the bedroom.

I second/third all aesop recommendations. I think the key is mixing it up so your skin doesn’t plateau to certain creams. Also mixing in facial oil (like fabulous facial oil) to a cream (camelia nut or primrose) is great in the winter! I’ve also used Kiehl’s before, and found it effective, albeit a little “stingy” when I put it on. What is in it? I don’t know, but Aesop is all natural and smells nice.

I do this and you may find it strange but it works for me. I wash my face with honey (usually raw) which washes and moisturizes your skin. You also end up using less water when you wash with honey which is always a plus! I also use the Ictyane by Ducray after washing on especially dry days, like snowy days like today.

Go for Kiehl’s Rosa Artica. It is the only mosturizer that ever made a difference for my skin. My skin got very dry two years ago after the birth of my first baby and since then I’ve tried everithing. This is really the only one that gave me a supple skin (even better than ten years ago).

hi Garance, Happy Holidays!
If there’s one thing that having eczema taught me it’s how to moisturize…wash/tone/follow your usual cleansing routine. Apply your favorite moisturizer, but once that’s absorbed, apply a thin layer of facial oil over the moisturizer to seal everything in (maybe a drop the size of a pea). If you don’t like a moist/dewy finish, just let it sit on your skin for five-10 minutes or so and then gently blot away any excess. The oil will absorb in by itself if you leave if for longer, without leaving your skin feeling greasy.
good luck,
Carrie

Three tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of honey and some finely granulated sugar. Mix together and gently put on your skin. If you want to escape the exfoliation effect of this mixture then leave out the sugar. The best way to apply it is after a hot shower on damp skin. Leave for about 10 to 20 minutes and rinse with luke warm water. The molecules in the olive oil are large enough that they won’t clog your pores and just hydrate it like no other cream I’ve ever tried. It works wonders in the winter time and often times you don’t even need moisturizer afterwards (and my skin is super dry!)!

Sentara’s Fleur Blanche cream is organic and is fab for dry and sensitive skin – it has a lovely creamy texture that feels soothing, yet is easy to use under make-up. Do remember to put Supergoop’s City Serum SPF 30 over or under, though – even at winter time!

I love the caudalie vinoperfect line but it’s pricey so I’ve switched to Ole Henriksens vitamin c day cream, and the pure perfection for night. Another good cream I can slather all over my face body when I get super flaky is the First Aid Beauty ultra repair cream, it’s perfect for sensitive skin like mine, and very affordable.

Moisturizing cream is too light for Winter and I do.not find that all the plastics
/ parabens / silicone based products since tese components do not hydrarte and only provide superficial relief. Only oil can safeguard from dehydration. I drink tons of water and put argan, nut, avocado or sesame oil in winter. My skin is not shiny since it is immediately absorbed (only a few drops, like a serum)….

For the face: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. The best. Rich for dryness, calms irritation from being so dry.
For the body: Kiehl’s Creme de Corps. Moisturize once- good for 24 hours. The other’s that claim to be are a joke.
For the hands: Kiehl’s Hand Salve. It’s therapy for your hands. You will feel it immediately when you put it on. Heals dry, cracked hands in days.

Here is the third vote for CeraVe moisturizing lotion or cream. You also can use the cleanser. My dermatologist recommended this brand – saying no need for expensive stuff. Good for skin problems etc too.

I use Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream. For me, it’s the perfect weight and leaves my skin dewy without any oiliness.

My mother swears by Darphin, but wait until you are in France to purchase it. In Canada it’s very expensive, but when I was in the south of France I walked into a drug store and bought it cheaply off the counter (and even on 2-for-1).

Aesop! Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream is good, but if you want the amazing stuff try Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream, ah-maz-ing. blend with Damascan Rose Facial Treatment either at night or a few times a week, as often as you need. You’ll never look back.

Well, it all comes back to layering, even when we are talking about creams!
I have wearing Clinique for a long time and I always put 2 different ones, especially during winter. Try first your simple moisturizer ( I wear the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel since I have mixed skin) and after a while I apply my daily cream, which is richer and does most of the work (Superdefense Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Age Defense Moisturizer, combination oily to oily). It is a combination that really works for me!

Jurlique SPF 30 for daytime (winter or not)
Vivite Night Repair cream (in a jar) at night
MD Forte hand and body cream (in a tube) – glycolic, – pricey, so I use it just on my hands
Eucerin Intensive Repair lotion from a drugstore for my body
Eliz. Arden 8 hour cream on my feet, and then covered with socks

I “set” the moisturizer into my face in the morning by heating a wet (twisted to remove excess water) washcloth in the microwave for 32 seconds (microwaves vary in wattage, so yours could be different), and gently placing it over my face.

I love Pumpkin Jasmine Serum from Lux Amare. It’s from a fantastic custom blended oils company in Southern California. You only need a few drops, it’s seriously the best for tight winter skin. — as is the whole line of oil based cleansers. I have oily acne prone skin and the essential oils have really calmed the inflammation I sometimes get.

I would recommend Paula’s Choice – a no-nonsense brand with great results. Paula is known as the ‘Cosmetic Cop’ as she reviews hundreds of the top brands, and debunks many of their claims – but also gives favourable reviews when deserved. I (and many of my friends!) have greatly benefited from her very affordable range. Visit her website and read the user reviews for each of her products – or her reviews of other products (under Beautypedia) if you’re considering other brands. The skin care world is a very confusing one, and Paula makes it so much easier to navigate!

yes. i have skin like yours. after reading that washing skin removes oil that keeps it looking young and dewy i stopped cleaning it and just wipe off makeup with cream if that! The only cream worth applying that works for dry skin like this is an emulsifying cream when at home and sorbolene or aqueaous cream for any other time.

Finally do not apply hot water to face ever and don’t let the shampoo run down your face when you shower. Be vigilant and you will see results very quickly.

Also avoid air conditioning or heating. If you need it then use a vaporiser to keep the moisture in the air.

Ensure your diet is rich in fat and if you’re frightened of putting on weight stop eating carbohydrate heavy meals.

First Aid Beauty (FAB) Ultra Repair Concentrate. I have sahara-dry skin (as in… I use pure shea nut butter on my face in the summer) (and also have never used face wash ever) and this stuff just makes it all… dewy! At least, after 6 or so hours of sleep. You will look like an oil slick when you go to bed, but it’s SO WORTH IT. (!!) I think they sell it at Sephora. Bonne chance!

Olive Oil! seriously. Especially in NYC with all the heating vs cold wind, use a little olive oil at night before bed, not to much, in the palm of your hand, massage into your face, use a warm wash cloth to remove extra. It doesn’t feel oily and absorbs straight away. If you can’t stomach that try Aesop.

If you’re looking for a little bit of splurge, Guerlain’s Orchidée cream seems to have a fanatical following. Literally everyone I know that’s tried it, goes back for more. My skin is rarely thirsty so I’m more into serums myself, and the Orchidée concentrate is like magic in a bottle.

I use Nivea’s Rich Moisturizing Day Care with SPF 15!! I have eczema so my face is super sensitive and is constantly dry, but I bought this when I was travelling and it worked amazingly well no matter which climate I was in! ( I was in London, Cyprus, and Israel). Plus, it’s incredibly affordable and I find it works better than many department store moisturizers I’ve tried. It also comes in a 50 ml size for travelling :)

Gernetic ….. Synchro ….. it’s expensive, but if you don’t spend on makeup it’s a seriously awesome investment. I have VERY dry, sensitive and reactive skin and this cream has changed my complexion. You don’t use much … it’s lasts for forever!
x

Actually, if you are not getting enough Omega-3 fats (found in fish, avocadoes, chia, flax seeds etc…) then no matter what you put on you skin, it will always be dry and dehydrated. I always take fish oil capusules in the winter mainly for this reason. On the skin, I would use pure rosehip oil at night and Dr. Hauschka Rose day cream or Trilogy day cream during the day.

I agree with all the Caudalie fans out there! As an Australian living in London I went through at least 3 winters before I discovered their Vinosource range. I use the SOS serum and Intense Moisture Rescue Cream. I buy it from Space NK or stock up at the pharmacy whenever I’m lucky enough to find myself in Belgium or France. I also use a really gentle foaming cleanser on my Clarisonic Mia a couple of times a week. It gently removes dead skin and helps the skin to absorb the products better.

What ever you choose, I love NUXE, I find a serum underneath helps things along. I can’t fault
Dr. Organics Rose Otto Oil. The smell is a bit like roses and cigarettes but my skin is plum through winter.
Regards.

You must try this – BioOil – in the summer it’s for scars etc, but in the winter when the weather is 0 degrees, I swear its soooo good on your face, the only thing that will cure dry skin… please try it, its sooo good.

After suffering from horrible rush around my mouth for 2 years ( Perioral dermatitis) I have been looking for organic, chemical free face cream – and I found the best cream ever ! – it is called ArganOrganics (you can read about it on amazon). I can say, my skin was never that glowing. Actually, I dont need make up anymore. ( I am also using vitamin C serum 8% under this cream)
And another great thing is – that is very cheap as well!!
Note: My skin is dry but can get a bit oily on T-zone.

What I find helps is not drying it out too much in the cleansing stage also – I use the Shu Uemura Ultim8 cleansing oil, and then it feels nice, not dry and tight when it’s clean. I then like to moisturise with an oil so my face feels “normal”, like the Clarins Blue Orchid one. Oils really are the way forward!

Actually, this blog saved my life as I read Garance’s post about water during winter time. That helped me a lot! I mean – not using water. I also changed my make up cleanser for Lancome’s oil which can be used with water so I get party make up off.

The thing is that there is no 1 miracle, you have to find your own. Some irritate, some help a little and then there’s the one perfect product that fits. Altogether, I would additionally recommend HYALURONIC ACID. PURE. I buy it from the pharmacy and use it morning and night during extreme cold seasons (read: -30°C ). It’s the ingredient which preserves skins moisture that they use in lotions. Costs A LOT but helps a lot.

Any of Clinique’s strong moisturizers will do! I use “Moisture Surge Intense” at night and in the morning wash my face with tepid water and my skin glows. For the day I use “Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel” it’s really light and doesn’t give shine to the skin. I put powder on anyway and I’m good for the whole day.

I use Weleda Skin Food at night; it’s super thick and really sinks in overnight. In the a.m. I just wet my face, no soap. Then I apply Avalon Organics serum, let that sink in, then Kiehl’s tinted moisturizer. I normally have very dry skin in the winter but since I’ve started using a serum in the morning I’ve noticed my skin is actually dewy and looks much more radiant. Love it!!

I am not sure if anyone mentioned it, as there a TON of responses, but here is my trick:I use straight up olive oil on my skin at night. You need very little. Just massage it in before bedtime and dab some around your eyes-works fantastic! I also mix some olive oil and coarse salt to create a wonderful scrub for my body skin. Its too abrasive for the face. And you’ll need to scrub the tub/shower after, but its worth it. I picked the olive oil idea up from Sophia Loren. It looks like its working for her!

Yes Garance. I have just the right cream for you. Unrefined organic shea butter. Really. It works on every problem the skin has. A little goes a long way and it is cheap. Make sure it is unrefined and organic.
DO try it! I am giving to every friend and everyone wants to buy now! (It is also good for hair, body…as an eya cream, you name it!)
kiss

Malin+Goetz replenishing face cream, it’s rich, really soothing and hydrating but not heavy, and it’s natural. They are a small family owned company and have a few stores in New York. The best cream for the winter! Go around beauty stores and get samples to try out before deciding on the perfect one!

Like Maria Ana, I prefer the au naturale route :) My winter secret is: tone with a tiny squeeze of fresh lemon juice, then with just a drop (only one!) of olive oil or sweet almond oil (as JC mentioned), smooth over your face- if you only use a drop you will not be greasy or have problems applying makeup after. Sometimes I had a couple dabs of rose hip seed oil to the olive/almond oil. Voila! Sometimes I do want to try out the pricey creams to see if they do some type of miracle (new found wrinkles always bring about a sense of urgency), but they are usually out of my price range, and the times when I have received them as gifts, I haven’t noticed dramatic differences from my own simple methods.

Light but moisturizes well
Very hygienic pump
Not pricey
End my eczema prone skin stands it perfectly, so does my mom’s boyfriend psoriasis prone skin

Not available in France but everywhere in the uk and the us

No oils, ever. I tried that on my hands last winter. They got super dry and I massages them with almond oil after the shower for 2 weeks. The result : the worst ever dry and flaky skin ever !
Oil is not equal to moisture !!!

As an all year round moisturiser, I swear by KHIELS – ULTRA FACIAL MOISTURIZER SPF 15. It works wonders with my skin which used to blotchy in tone with patches of dry skin!! I have used Khiels now for over two years and it’s probably one of the VERY few things I recommend.

In the Winter, I also carry in my handbag Elizabeth Eight Hour Cream – INTENSIVE MOISTURIZER SPF 15. Though Khiels does wonders sometimes the harsh cold really leaves you feel uncomfortable so I used this as a quick fix and voila! i’m sorted =)

I love Bobbi Brown’s Hydrating Intense Night Cream. Although anything from Kiehl’s is great. I struggled with severely dry skin (think peeling, flaking skin all over my face) and switching to Kiehls’ remedied it very quickly.

I’ve followed this blog for so long and never posted but am so happy with my face rituals -partly based on your recommendations ;-) – that I want to share!

I avoid chemical products and only use (semi) organic creams.
Garance, pleaaaaase do a post on SUKI SKIN CARE! All organic, sooo good for your skin and affordable :-) Perfectly light daycreams in summer, which in winter I mix with their carrot oil (pure facial moisture). For extra dry, red spots I use the butter healing salve, indeed it heals!!

If you don’t want to follow a three-step plan there are creams that have it all and it’s mentioned by others too: AESOP primrose facial cream. The parsley stuff is great but I cannot stand the scent…

I got NUXE multi purpose oil based on one of your posts, still I think SUKI makes the better one but Nuxe has a great winter scent of cinnamon (or something warm), and keeps my hair from being electrified!

Based on your no-water experiment, which is just a no go for me because I love cold water on my face in the morning, I did start to use a toner instead of water after applying cleansing cream in the evening. Leaving out water on my face just once a day already made a big difference! We all know it: Remind yourself to keep hydrated and take it easy with alcohol; real moisture comes from the inside. An easy solution for the binge-drinking, coffee-loving, smoking, non yogis who do not drink 3 liters of green tea a day and do everything Garance has quit by now ;-) Place a steamer in your living room to keep humidity high enough or use a fragrance oil/water burner.

I use a few drops of argon oil at night and Weleda’s Almond Soothing Facial Cream for the day. This cream has only a few basic and natural ingredients, and it’s formulated for sensative skin. It’s great for winter skin protection. <3

I make my own. I once got an excellent product and then decided to make my own version (based on the original product’s ingredient list). It’s a blend of oils, which people are scared of, but putting oil on my face doesn’t make it oily at all. And it’s all natural, no chemicals or other unpronounceable fillers.

Bulgarian rose oil is a key ingredient; super hydrating and calming. Then I mix in a couple of other oils, making sure to stick to the ratio I worked out. (You only need a tiny bit of the rose oil; a little goes a long way. You need really good rose oil though, not cheap stuff.)

In the winter I use placenta serum (yep…) from Reviva Labs and jojoba oil on my face every night! I wake up looking like I spent a week eating coconuts in a 100% humidity climate. Jojoba oil is also great as a skin moisturizer. In the morning I use Reviva Labs under eye moisturizing serum and firming fluid and their everyday sunscreen moisturizer with Kiehl’s SPF tinted moisturizer on top and then a light foundation on top to keep my skin from drying out in my parchment paper dry office!! I guess the motto is serum and layering?? Bag Balm is the best thing to keep lips and cuticles moisturized. I buy it on amazon by the tub full.

Hi, Garance! If your skin is really dry like that, I want you to try face oil instead cream cause it’s way more rich and it’ll hold your natural moist on your face! I’ve tried Darphin and Rodin face oil and both of them were AMAZING!! and when you apply oil on your face, don’t forget to cover your face with your hands 10~20 seconds after you applied it that your face can absorb all the oils! Hopely will get better! XO

This past year I started using Philosophy skin care products and am really hooked. My skin has never looked (or felt so) great. You might want to try there Miracle face cream. (A lot of people like their Hope in a Jar – but that is not moisturizing enough for me.) Also, their Purity cleanser is super; removes makeup and leaves your skin feeling really great.

Whatever you choose, best of luck in finding the ‘magic potion’ for you!

DHC extra nighttime moisture — water based with olive oil + many other emollients and collagen! i have sensitive combo skin that breaks out easily, this is the only nighttime cream i can wear without feeling super greasy (extra good post exfoliation/mask at night). i pat it on during the day too on dry spots :)

I think the best way to combat dry skin, or really just have dewy skin all the time, is first be able to tell when you need extra and when you can hang back on intense mousturizing.

I tend to mix purified water from my Brita with Jojoba Oil (just a bit) and a touch of Glycerin (vegetable based is fine) with my favorite nice smelling essential oils. SHAKE WELL- then spritz liberally on your face. You smell great and then pat the moisture into your skin.

THEN- apply your favorite mousturizer. I like the Fresh Soy Mousturizer and Boscia Oil Free Hydration stuff, depending on the day. Fresh is creamier without being heavy. Boscia is super light but hydrating.

The spritzing with the essential oils helps to add and lock in moisture, and is a natural way to replenish the moisture (ie. water) we lose from our skin over time. Hope this helps!

BB Cream from Garnier. Everyday. I have special skin, (mix in Spain and with the cold in Munich is very dry) and I suffer “rosacea”. This cream is super, it doesn’t give me spots, it has colour, SPF… and you don’t feel it after 8 hours!! It is great. It’s the “most must” among my friends, in Munich and in Spain. (and it is very cheap)

My skin’s life drastically changed for the better when I stumbled upon Earth Science moisturizers. Their lightweight moisturizers with SPF are perfect for summer and the Apricot Intensive Night Creme is amazing for winter. I use it at night and then just under the eyes (sometimes on my hands, too) for day. It’s reasonably priced, non-irritating, and makes my skin feel super soft in the morning! :) You can pick it up at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods or online. Seriously – it’s the best!!

My dermatologist in NYC, Amy Wechsler, recommended Cetaphil (the one in the big tub) for my dry skin. It’s the only moisturizer that actually keeps my skin supple (I always get compliments) and I absolutely love and recommend it! xo

Hands down the best skin care company I’ve ever found is Paula’s Choice. No fragrance, no irritants, no worthless fad ingredients, just the stuff that actually works (their ingredients lists references scientific papers backing up the efficacy of each key ingredient!)
Their USA website is http://www.paulaschoice.com You’ll find a moisturiser to suit everyone from dry/rosacea prone skin to those who just drip oil. Don’t stop at the moisturiser though, they also have fantastic AHA, BHA, and Retinol products. I’ve been using Paula’s products for over two years now and it’s made a huge difference to my skin. Oh and did I mention it’s totally affordable?

“The AVST Creams 1 – 5 are Environ’s new innovative skin care range. These moisturisers contain vitamin A and antioxidants including vitamins E, vitamin C, Green Tea Extract, Honeybush and Rooibos Tea Extracts, Resveratrol and Beta-Carotene. The concentration of vitamins A and C increase in the step-up system of the moisturisers. Consumers are, therefore, advised to follow the step-up system.”

“C-Boost is a clarifying cream that contains a stable form of vitamin C (ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate) in a light and non-greasy formula. It is formulated to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and sun damaged skin.”

Pai skincare. Their chamomile and rosehip for sensitive skin is amazing and leaves your skin feeling soft and silky smooth. It’s all organic too. And Natalie Portman is a big fan so if it’s good enough for Natalie…

A whole lot of products to use…
I don’t recommend Dr. Hauschka rose cream for dry winter skin. Tried it for 2 months. It sits too oily on top but does nothing for underneath…you now sometimes these all natural stuff hasn’t the right powers…(Didn’t Garance once said something similar about Aesop) ooh but I do love the smell.
I am on the same hunt as you. La Roche Posay helped a lot. Also don’t forget to hydrate your home too. Really, I mean it. The most effectful I reach that with leaving the bathroom door open instead of opening the window. So that the steam can slightly float everywhere. And alway use lipbalm before brushing your teeth.

Weleda’s Skin Food. It’s pretty thick and you don’t need a lot. Use it at night or in the morning, and the skin stays hydrated. I also put it on my face and under my eyes. But it’s for everything, so it can be applied to the whole body.

I use Bi-Oil (or Bio-Oil in the States?). It is actually used for stretch marks or to fade scars but i use it on my face und my skin absorbs it really well, because it contains this PurCellin Oil that does not make it behave like a normal oil, i.e. too greasy and won’t seeped through your skin. It doesn’t smell too strong, almost like a baby oil, and it leaves your skin moisturize all day. But i think any dry oil would have the same effect.

My secret is to EXFOLIATE regularly like your life depends on it – then your products will penetrate better… I use a laurel/olive/rose hip facial oil (The TADE one is the business) beneath a organic moisturizer (Antipodes, http://www.antipodesnature.com) in the evening – my skin has never looked better!

Whatever you put on your skin is absorbed into your body. We are becoming a toxic dump of chemicals. I never put anything on my skin that I wouldn’t put in my mouth. Coconut oil is a wonderful all-over skin moisturizer, including your face. Slather it on still damp skin at night; apply more conservatively for daytime. Allow 10-15 minutes before applying makeup.

Try the gold label virgin coconut oil at RadiantLife.com. (I’m just a customer– no ulterior motives.)

Hey Alex,
it’s difficult to advise a swear-by product to others. depends on where you live, your skin type, your age and many other factors, my “magic cream” may not work at all on you.
I personally are using many products at once, cuz the weather in HK now is crazy (we live through the four seasons in a week……).
Just to name a few: La Mer, Sukin, Clinique, Origin, Nuxe, Kiehl’s, NYR are nice to my skin.
For extreme case to save my face from dry winter, a drop of olive oil does miracle!
Good Luck on the quest of winter skincare ;)

My skin is super dry . I live in California and in Madrid so i need a very specific skin regime or by mid day my face is pulling , Start by spraying your clean face with La Roche Posay water spray . then apply some organic argane oil on top of your clean wet skin to seal the moisture in. Around your eyes put some Nuxe eye cream , and on top of everything put some heavy (not light version ) Rose Cream by Dr. Hauschka . I can put my foundation on top of the oil and cream without a problem , because i love a bit of shine, but if it is too much for you use Embriolisse cream during the day instead of the Rose Cream , and the Rose Cream at night. Your skin will look amazing and the argane oil is miraculous. I am 52 and my skin looks 10 years younger…have been using argane oil for 10 years now, over my face and body .

Yes! I’m 33 and live in NY and have dry skin in the winter as well – my gets dry and sometimes even flaky.
i have been to spas etc all over the world and tried them all. the best is AROMA by DECLEOR, the french brand. I bought it at Bliss on a friends recommendation and you can also buy it online. Love.
xo

I use a facial serum from Beaute Pacific once a week, beside my daily moisturizer, and it really makes my skin so soft and moisturized! Maybe once a week isn’t enough for you, but I know that you can use it more than once a week, if you have to :-) Try it!

I love yuli oils/serums! They contain no fillers, just oils and other skin goodies, such as hylauronic acid. I also like cream caroline by doux me when it’s really cold. and of course SPF during day on top of the yuli; I like ren’s or omorovica’s tint.

Alba Botanica’s Sea Plus Renewal Night Cream. In the winter I use it night and day on my face – it’s creamy and nourishing without feeling heavy. I especially love it around my eyes, where I tend to feel the most dry.

They are light but surprisingly hydrating! You don’t have to reapply during the day. Also, all of these are tailored for sensitive skin. Fragrance-free as well. I apply all of these the La Mer way. I checked every single ingredient and they are all considerable safe for use for life.